BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2001, ABC 33/40 TV news anchor Brenda Ladun has inspired thousands with her recovery.

That's a job she considers as important as anchoring the news. "I want to encourage people," Ladun said. "I was encouraged through two bouts of cancer. Sometimes it's a smile from a nurse, or a 'Hey, you can do it,' that gets you through."

Ladun frequently speaks and leads Bible studies on finding inspiration in the Bible for battling through difficulties.

"It's a reminder that God's there through the tough times," she said. "When I go out and share my story, I notice people all need to be encouraged. I think it's a basic thing we go through. Everyone has something. We all have struggles."

Ladun has encouraged people through her 2003 book, ''Getting Better, Not Bitter: A Spiritual Prescription for Breast Cancer,'' and two follow-up books, ''Behind the Scenes of Breast Cancer,'' and "Encouraged: An Inspiring Journey with Real-Life Stories of Hope."

She's also in her 10th year organizing the Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run, which will be Saturday, March 1. The 5K run begins at 8 a.m. and the 1 mile Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. To register, show up at 7 a.m. at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness in Hoover. For information, go to the web site.

After the race, Ladun will be signing copies of all three of her books Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Lifeway Christian Store in Hoover, across U.S. 31 from Riverchase Galleria.

Ladun said she especially hopes those struggling with cancer will come out to the Conquer Cancer Run. "They can just come out and cheer," Ladun said. "Come out and let us love on you and encourage you."

The secret to being encouraged is encouraging others, Ladun said. "It's not just looking at your own problems, it's reaching out and helping others," she said. "You're helping people come up the mountain."

In her Bible study on encouragement, Ladun was studying Psalm 91 just before she covered the April 27, 2011 tornadoes. The message, "God is our refuge," helped her face an oncoming storm.

"I was in Cullman when a tornado was coming right at us," she said. "That verse just washed over me. God is there no matter how scary things get."